Pinback/Goblin Cock Singer Rob Crow Retires From Music

Venerated US cult musician Rob Crow — best known for his work with indie veterans Pinback and controversial metal outfit Goblin Cock, among several other acts — has announced that he is retiring from making music, as well as, seemingly, public life altogether in an effort to provide a better life for his family.

In a message sent on Twitter on Monday (AEST), Crow indicated that he was considering hanging up his instruments for good, with a fairly downcast tweet reading, "I think I'm gonna finish up & release all my current records & give up. Thanks you guys! I really appreciated it."

Following it up the next morning on Facebook, Crow elaborated on his decision, explaining that family concerns were the key driver behind the decision to call it a well-earned day.

"I'm fine. I have just come to the realization that making music in this climate is financially irresponsible to my family and ultimately humiliating to my psyche," he wrote. "I'm going to finish and release the work I've already spent my heart and tears on, but even that is likely to ruin me.

"My kids are growing and my downstairs studio would probably be put to better use as a bedroom. I'll keep a small setup ... which I can use for scoring, editing and things when they come up."

It's not just the music game from which Crow is withdrawing, however; he said that he'll also be giving up social media — and alcohol — as part of his quest to be a more present family man. Read the full post below.

Crow formed Pinback with fellow multi-instrumentalist Armistead "Zach" Burwell Smith IV (of Three Mile Pilot and Systems Officer) in 1998, the pair remaining the band's sole constant members through five full-length albums and no less than 10 EPs; their most recent release was 2012's Information Retrieved. Pinback toured Australia only once, in 2011, playing four shows on the brief trip.

Crow also released several solo albums, including 2003's My Room Is A Mess, 2007's Living Well and 2011's He Thinks He's People, as well as providing guest vocals on four tracks for Team Sleep's eponymous debut in 2005.

Hear a selection of Pinback gold below in honour of the band, and Crow's praiseworthy career.